- Solar-Radiation-0.mp3
- Solar-Radiation-0.mp4
- Solar-Radiation-I.mp3
- Solar-Radiation-I.mp4
- Solar-Radiation-II.mp3
- Solar-Radiation-II.mp4
- Solar-Radiation-Interlude.mp3
- Solar-Radiation-Unplugged-Underground-X.mp3
- Solar-Radiation-Unplugged-Underground-X.mp4
- Solar-Radiation-intro-live.mp3
[Intro]
Reflection
(Absorption)
Refraction
(Diffraction)
[Verse 1]
Across a spectrum of wavelengths
Photon energy’s strengths
The intensity…
Helping me to see
(Sight by light)
[Bridge]
Reflection
(Absorption)
Refraction
(Diffraction)
[Chorus]
Solar radiation
(My sunshine)
Polarization
(Feeling fine)
Sensation
(Insight into light)
[Verse 2]
At what watt
Do you deliver
Sheer intensity…
If just a sliver
Helping me to see
(The light… what a sight)
[Bridge]
Reflection
(Absorption)
Refraction
(Diffraction)
[Chorus]
Solar radiation
(My sunshine)
Polarization
(Feeling fine)
Sensation
(Insight into light)
[Bridge]
Sunlight
(Overtakes the night)
Sunlight
Insight (In sight)
[Chorus]
Solar radiation
(My sunshine)
Polarization
(Feeling fine)
Sensation
(Insight into light)
[Outro]
Sunlight
(Overtakes the night)
Sunlight
Insight (In sight)
A SCIENCE NOTE
Sunlight, also known as solar radiation, has distinct physical characteristics that can be described in terms of its properties as electromagnetic radiation. These characteristics include its wavelengths, energy, intensity, and behavior when interacting with matter. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Composition (Electromagnetic Spectrum)
Sunlight consists of a range of electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths, divided into three main components:
- Ultraviolet (UV): Short-wavelength radiation (<400 nm).
- Makes up about 10% of sunlight.
- Includes UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.
- Most UV-C and some UV-B are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere.
- Visible Light: Wavelengths from approximately 400–700 nm.
- This is the portion perceived by the human eye as light, creating colors from violet to red.
- Peak intensity is in the green-yellow region (~500 nm).
- Infrared (IR): Long-wavelength radiation (>700 nm).
- Accounts for about 50% of sunlight.
- Felt as heat.
2. Intensity
- Solar Constant:
The average intensity of sunlight at the top of Earth’s atmosphere is approximately 1,361 watts per square meter (W/m²). - Attenuation by Atmosphere:
As sunlight passes through the atmosphere, some energy is absorbed or scattered, reducing intensity to about 1,000 W/m² at sea level under ideal conditions (clear sky, midday).
3. Energy (Photons)
- Photon Energy:
The energy of sunlight depends on its wavelength, with shorter wavelengths (e.g., UV) carrying more energy per photon than longer wavelengths (e.g., IR). - Solar Energy Spectrum:
Sunlight delivers energy that powers photosynthesis, drives weather systems, and supports life on Earth.
4. Temperature and Color
- Color Temperature:
The Sun’s surface emits light with a temperature of about 5,778 K, giving it a nearly white color. When seen from Earth, the atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths, giving the sky its blue color and the Sun a yellowish hue. - Apparent Brightness:
The Sun appears brighter or dimmer depending on atmospheric conditions and angle of incidence (e.g., noon vs. sunset).
5. Direction and Polarization
- Directional Nature:
Sunlight travels in straight lines but can be scattered by air molecules, dust, or water droplets, causing diffuse light. - Polarization:
As sunlight is scattered in the atmosphere, it becomes partially polarized, a phenomenon observable with polarized sunglasses or in photography.
6. Interaction with Matter
- Reflection and Absorption:
Sunlight reflects off surfaces like water and ice or is absorbed, converting light into heat. - Refraction and Diffraction:
Sunlight refracts through raindrops to form rainbows or diffracts around small particles, producing optical phenomena like halos.
Summary
Sunlight is a dynamic and complex form of electromagnetic radiation that provides heat, light, and energy across a spectrum of wavelengths. Its interaction with Earth’s atmosphere and surfaces drives critical processes essential to life and influences weather, climate, and ecological systems.